My Hackathon Journey: Building Under Pressure
My Hackathon Journey: Building Under Pressure
Hackathons are something I always look forward to. It’s tiring for sure — sometimes 24 hours straight, no proper sleep, just coding and surviving on kopi and snacks. But the experience? Very worth it.
Every hackathon pushes me to think fast, work with people from different backgrounds, and build something from scratch under pressure. Win or lose, I always learn something new — whether it’s a new framework, a better way to collaborate, or just how to present an idea clearly.
Presenting innovative solutions at hackathons - where ideas meet execution under pressure
Notable Hackathon Experiences
📌 RHB Hack 2023 - My First Hackathon
When: January 2023 (during high school completion)
Project: Zee - An expense tracking feature with Tinder-style swipe interface
“Spend mindfully, even when you’re not thinking clearly.”
What we built:
- Tinder-style swipe interface for expense categorization
- Weekly feedback system based on spending choices
- Goal: Build better money awareness habits
Tech Stack: JavaScript, Next.js, React, Tailwind CSS, Chakra UI
Result: Didn’t make Top 10 (out of 100 teams), but gained invaluable experience
Mentor: Khairul Nazran, one of Malaysia’s top hackathon veterans
📌 Startathon 23/24 Garage@EEE - First Place! 🏆
Project: Crop tracking system for farmers to secure funding from SMEs and VCs
System Features:
- ESP32 microcontroller with integrated sensors:
- Light (lux sensors)
- Soil moisture monitoring
- Temperature tracking
- Firebase for data storage and synchronization
- Complete JavaScript and React frontend
Demo Videos:
Achievement: 1st Place Winner - Proud moment for the team!
📌 Sunway Make it Challenge by Solana - Blockchain Exploration
Achievement: Top 8 Winner
This was my first blockchain hackathon! Despite having limited Web3 experience, I thoroughly enjoyed learning from my teammates who were well-versed in the industry. The learning curve was steep, but the collaborative environment made it an incredible growth experience.
📌 SandCodes 2024 - Mobile Security App
Achievement: Winner among 342 participants! 🎉
Project: Mobile app protecting citizens from threats
Features:
- Real-time chat functionality
- Interactive bunker maps for emergency situations
- Emergency SOS alerts
- Cross-platform compatibility
Tech Stack:
- Flutter & Dart: Cross-platform mobile development
- Pocketbase: Serverless backend solution
- Google Maps API: Location services and navigation
Team: Collaborated with my talented friend Xue Rui 💡
What I’ve Learned
Technical Skills
- Rapid Prototyping: Building MVPs in 24-48 hours
- Technology Diversity: Exposure to various tech stacks
- Full-Stack Development: Frontend, backend, and mobile development
- API Integration: Working with external services under time pressure
Soft Skills
- Team Collaboration: Working with diverse teams under pressure
- Pitch Presentation: Communicating ideas clearly and persuasively
- Problem Solving: Creative solutions with limited resources
- Time Management: Prioritizing features for maximum impact
Industry Exposure
- Blockchain/Web3: Understanding decentralized applications
- FinTech: Payment systems and financial applications
- AgriTech: IoT solutions for agriculture
- Security: Mobile security and emergency response systems
The Hackathon Mindset
Hackathons teach you to:
- Think Fast: Rapid ideation and decision making
- Build Fast: MVP development in hours, not weeks
- Fail Fast: Quick iteration and learning from mistakes
- Present Fast: Clear communication under pressure
Why I Keep Going Back
Despite the exhaustion, the caffeine crashes, and the occasional disappointment, hackathons remain some of my most rewarding experiences. They’re where:
- Innovation Happens: Pressure creates diamonds
- Networks Form: Meeting like-minded builders and creators
- Skills Develop: Learning by doing, not just reading
- Ideas Come to Life: Seeing concepts become reality in hours
Looking Forward
Each hackathon has shaped my approach to technology and problem-solving. Whether it’s winning first place or learning from a loss, every experience adds to my toolkit as an engineer and innovator.
The journey continues, and I’m always excited for the next challenge! 🚀